Romania’s Economy Minister Bogdan Ivan paid an unannounced visit to the Praid Salt Mine construction site on Monday to inspect the progress of emergency works and said demanded full transparency of the daily work schedule and warned that if deadlines are not met, penalties will be enforced and the contractor replaced within 48 hours.

Ivan praised the efforts of emergency services (IGSU, ANAR) and emphasised that all work is being done in coordination with experts and government officials, including Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu and Environment Minister Mircea Fechet. A secretary of state will keep the local community informed about the project’s status.

The Ministry of Environment, alongside local authorities, will support around 200 hospitality businesses affected by the mine closure by helping them access financial aid.

Eight out of sixteen pumps are now operating to divert water and reduce salinity near the Praid site, according the Apele Romane director Ervin Luci, who was present at the minister’s press statement. Officials report decreasing salinity levels, though fish deaths continue downstream on the Tarnava Mica river. Efforts to dilute the affected waters are ongoing.

Ivan also expects risk assessments this week from all mining companies under the Ministry of Economy.

AGERPRES